Aliganj fire: SIT examines building maps, electricity records on day two

Lucknow: The two-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by chief minister Yogi Adityanath intensified its probe into the Aliganj fire tragedy on Wednesday, carrying out a detailed examination of the gutted building and scrutinising key documents, including sanctioned building maps, electricity connection records and other approvals linked to the structure.The SIT, comprising additional chief secretary, housing and urban planning, Amrit Abhijat, and ADG (Lucknow Zone) Praveen Kumar.Officials examined the building’s layout, entry and exit points, electrical installations, structural modifications and possible violations of safety norms.Sources said the team has sought records related to electricity connections, load approvals, building plans, fire safety compliance and permissions granted by various departments to ascertain whether unauthorised alterations or regulatory lapses contributed to the disaster that claimed 15 lives.SIT has also sought reports from the FSL on the burnt electrical wiring, debris, damaged equipment and other material samples to determine the exact cause and progression of the fire.SIT also interacted with injured survivors to reconstruct the sequence of events. Their statements are expected to play a crucial role in establishing how the occupants attempted to escape and whether safety systems functioned during the emergency.

An officer in the home department said that the SIT would examine the role and responsibilities of every department linked to the building. The SIT’s findings are expected to determine whether administrative lapses, unauthorised construction, electrical faults or violations of fire safety norms played a role in one of Lucknow’s deadliest fire disasters in recent years.Chief minister Yogi Adityanath constituted the SIT on Monday night following the tragedy. The chief minister also visited the site and met survivors undergoing treatment at KGMU.So far, four persons have been arrested in connection with the case, while four officials have been suspended for alleged negligence in enforcing safety regulations.